Projects demonstrate innovative, forward-looking approaches to design and development

Two Perkins+Will projects, Marine Gateway and the PPL Center/Downtown Allentown Revitalization District, have been named winners of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2017 Global Awards for Excellence, widely considered one of the land use industry’s most prestigious awards programs.

Marine Gateway

Marine Gateway is a major transit-oriented development in Vancouver. Designed by Perkins+Will in partnership with PCI Developments, the project—which is located in a former industrial, underused area—includes retail, office, residential space, pedestrian plazas, and a seamlessly integrated transit hub within the heart of the community.

“We are honored to receive this international recognition from the ULI for Marine Gateway. It is a project that we are very proud of,” says Andrew Grant, president of PCI Developments. “The site previously had no housing and only 60 jobs. Now, Marine Gateway is a vibrant, transit-oriented, complete urban community home to approximately 750 residents and 2,000 jobs in conjunction with high quality restaurants, retailers, and a movie theatre serving the local community.”

“Marine Gateway sets a benchmark for transit-oriented design and raises the bar on the urban living experience,” says Ryan Bragg, principal at Perkins+Will. “We are delighted that this innovative and transformative project has been honored by such a distinguished award from ULI.”

The PPL Center at the Allentown Arena Block Development is a large mixed-use project in Allentown, Pennsylvania’s downtown core. Anchored by a multipurpose arena, the development includes street-level restaurants and retail, commercial offices, a hotel, banquet and meeting rooms, a physical fitness and rehabilitation center, a renovated historic building, and parking.

"This global recognition validates the tremendous turnaround that downtown Allentown achieved through a unique public-private partnership," said Sy Traub, chairman of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA). "The best part is it's still early in downtown Allentown's transformation. We're still growing and attracting more developers and businesses."

“It’s a great honor to have been part of this project, along with our partners at Hammes and ANIZDA, and to see the continued reinvigoration of this vibrant city as a result of our contributions,” says Don Dethlefs, principal at Perkins+Will and chair of the firm’s Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment practice. “We are grateful for this recognition from ULI.”

The ULI Global Awards for Excellence recognize projects that achieve the highest standard of excellence in design, construction, economics, planning, and management, and that enhance the livability, sustainability, and resilience of the communities in which they are located. The criteria for the Awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnerships, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability.

“Cities are about people—the way we interact, get around, and go about our daily routines. Great cities are made of great places that make the urban experience easy and enjoyable,” said ULI CEO Patrick L. Phillips. “These projects…are improving people’s quality of life.”

Winners were selected from a pool of 25 finalists by an international jury of ULI members representing a range of industry expertise, including finance, land planning, development, public affairs, and design.